BLOGS

Location, location, location is touted as the most important factor when determining the best place to invest. Like many maxims (e.g. “nice guys finish last”), location, location, is not entirely true. It’s nuanced.  read more

Whether you are serving as a board member, participating in a committee or task force, hosting an event or manning a trade show booth, your volunteer efforts are vital to both the success of your organization and your own advancement. If you are looking for ways to enhance your career, network with peers, and create meaningful changes - volunteering presents opportunities for both professional and personal growth. read more

Sponsored content - The City of Vancouver is pleased to present an opportunity to develop a gateway residential neighbourhood on two prime development parcels at the entrance to Downtown Vancouver.   read more

I’ve had the opportunity to meet with numerous agents and lawyers who specialize in commercial leasing and they all say the same thing: it’s a tedious, difficult and boring job to read a full lease, but it’s necessary. There’s always a risk that something’s lurking behind the shadows of clause 34.12 (r) and that something will bite you when you least suspect it.   read more

This year the theme for the REIC Annual Conference and AGM is Exploring Opportunities, and we don’t want you to miss a single one at this exciting three-day event in Montreal, QC. With that in mind, we have put together this guide for making the most out of your experience and to help you prepare for three days of informative sessions, networking, and celebration of professional growth.   read more

Networking in the property management industry goes beyond finding a new job or making small talk at a business conference. It’s about building relationships and tapping into resources that have long-term value.   read more

The daily life of a property manager is far different today than it was a decade ago. In the multi-family sector, residents want more than to simply rent an apartment – they want to experience a lifestyle. They expect their relationship with a landlord to feel less transactional and more emotional. With increased competition among building owners, front-end staff must focus on building brand loyalty and brand awareness to develop that trust.   read more

To effectively and successfully negotiate, real estate practitioners must understand how human behavior influences the deal-making process. It’s about more than just strategy – awareness of personalities, perception, body language and vocal tone helps professionals deliver lasting and better-quality solutions.   read more

Traditional advertising is no longer enough to stay competitive. Agents need to harness the potential of social media to connect with potential clients and showcase new properties. Why is a social media presence important for agents? Understand more about how being active on social media can benefit agents today.   read more

There is no doubt these are evolving times for all real estate professionals. The nature of transactions as well as the regulatory environment are becoming more complex. Observing industry changes, REIC has updated its Code of Professional Standards – a written and sworn contract that defines standards of business practice required of all its Members.    read more

Even the most seasoned property managers find good decision-making to be a life-long learning experience in an ever-changing industry. While there are basic rules to knowing what is right and wrong, peer-to-peer dilemmas are ripe with grey areas that require closer examination and a lot of well-tuned gut instinct.   read more

It’s no secret that the real estate management profession is aging more quickly than other occupations. You are probably seeing that in your own organization and have realized how imperative it is to the future of your company and the industry to attract and retain young talent.   read more

Thanks to a $1M donation by W. Dean Weidner of Weidner Investment Services, Inc. to MacEwan University in Edmonton, we will soon see students graduate from university with a full education in business and property management.  read more

Instead of putting up an inspiration board for this New Year, I took it down. Because it got too depressing. And, as it turns out, I’m not alone. Setting lofty goals seems like a good idea and we’re all told we should be doing it. For those of us who obsess with achievement, motivation or personal development, I’m sure I won’t be shocking you with the concept of inspiration boards and goal setting.    read more

In this time of social media and digital communications, online networking and self-promotion have become a necessity in order to stay in touch and be successful in your career. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, and access to social media outlets have made it progressively more difficult for you to distinguish yourself, rise above the crowd and influence those who may be looking at hiring you. So, how do you set yourself apart and achieve your next desired career?   read more

As a lawyer, manager of a brokerage and a member of the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) I’m surrounded by rules of professional conduct and codes of ethics. All of my actions – whether they’re related to my work or not – are filtered through not only the Law Society’s Rules of Professional Conduct, but also the Real Estate and Business Broker’s Act and REIC’s Code of Professional Standards. While this seems like quite the process, I discovered that being ethical is just as good as having a lawyer on demand.   read more

Every now and then I think back to when I was taking accounting courses at University, occasionally my mind recalls the five goals of an organization. Actually, I generally remember four of them; stability, liquidity, profitability and growth but for the longest time couldn’t recall the fifth. Then, finally one day completely out of the blue it came back to me, equity.   read more

Interested in networking and learning from the top real estate industry leaders in Halifax, NS?  Here are 7 tips for making the most out of the experience, as you prepare for three days of informative sessions, engaging social events and celebrating achievements with professionals from across the globe.   read more

We’ve all been there.  Mentally juggling active business, professional goals and a personal life to fit in a new commitment.  Add to that to today’s competitive environment where real estate professionals work to meet client expectations of instant responses and results and the task of scheduling an average Wednesday can become daunting.   read more

Numbers. I am not a fan. I can work with them, I just don’t love them.  The right side of my brain is definitely in charge no matter what area I am working in. That being said, I recognize that numbers are important – especially when you are trying to make sense of finances, balance the budget at work, and perhaps invest in properties.   read more

What does earning a designation mean for property managers? Higher compensation? Bigger bonuses? What trends are property managers seeing over time in terms of compensation, commission, and benefits? The IREM Profile and Compensation Studies answer these questions, and more! read more

Whether you've been in the business for a day, or for decades, there comes a point where you realize you aren't the only game in town. In other words, you have a lot of competition. So how do you make yourself stand out among the growing number of professionals with similar aspirations?   read more

The FRI designation is acknowledged by the real estate community as a standard of excellence and accomplishment.    read more

The common rule is that you must be ruthless during negotiations to succeed. This belief couldn’t be farther from the truth; not only will you destroy your relationships, but you’ll also fail to have a legally enforceable deal.   read more

It is important to grow and develop as a professional in order to succeed in a highly changing industry. This is why many real estate professionals are giving themselves a competitive edge through expert training and industry-recognized designations that provide career-long benefits like increased skill and reputability.    read more

Should you advise your tenant client to agree discharge all liens? And why is this even in the Offer?   read more

Trust is at the center of all personal and business relationships. It is the single most important ingredient to success and respect. Without trust you cannot expect either a sound personal relationship, or success in your business dealings. To receive trust, one must be worthy of trust. Once trust is gained, it is a powerful asset in everything you will do.    read more

Obtaining a license is only the beginning of your advanced education. The learning process continues every day, and real estate professionals learn not only by doing, but also by studying the examples set by seasoned professionals. You can profit from continuing education, using your accredited business standards to boost client trust and your reputation. It is particularly important to gain an understanding of the ethics issues that confront realtors and brokers.   read more

The real estate business and Hotel California have something in common. You can never leave either of them, says seasoned executive and Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) president Don Kottick. read more

Many enter the real estate industry looking for easy money, but almost as many leave in frustration before their third year. Earning a specialty designation can give real estate agents a leg up on the competition, while raising their profile and profits.     read more

You know the type: The busy professional who is late for every appointment, then gets a phone call and drops everything to dash off and handle an emergency. That's not an attractive picture, is it? Nor is it the mark of success for a real estate professional.   read more

The challenges and rewards of preserving ethical standards in the workplace. read more

One of the most important aspects of property management is human resources. Managing relationships with all kinds of people, from contractors to tenants, is just as important as managing buildings. read more

How financial tools can change the way you look at investment real estate. read more

REIC’s Certified Property Manager® program prepares you for the future.   read more

It’s something we as Canadians are proud of: our diversity. Yet, we are not as inclusive towards talent for Corporations. Today, talent is in hot demand. With shifting market conditions, a world more connected and moving faster than ever, acquiring the right talent in the workplace is essential. Available talent is diverse – in age, gender, ethnicity, culture, orientation, background, and the list goes on. The fabric of our nation is built on this diversity, and it has become one of the qualities of our country. However, we still have work to do when it comes to corporate inclusion at all levels.    read more

In business, the right credentials can communicate your worth as a consultant or employee. While you may already specialize in property management, there are a few good reasons why getting your Certified Property Manager® (CPM®) designation is a step in the right direction.    read more

Continued staff development is essential to help organizations maximize workforce potential in increasing productivity and quality of work.  However time and financial resources are often cited as barriers to additional employee training. Budgets are tight and deadlines are looming.   read more

Real estate is a challenging field. To rise to the top, you need to do a bit more than your competitors are willing to do. These are all actions that can help you set yourself apart.   read more

The real estate management industry is growing and expanding, but it’s also a highly competitive field. Property owners and property management companies want experienced, skilled professionals to ensure successful outcomes with industry best practices, satisfied clients and profitability.   read more

In order to be successful in real estate sales, a person must possess many talents other than just the ability to introduce prospective buyers to suitable properties. You need knowledge of current laws, an insight into human personality, the ability to listen, a willingness to negotiate, the patience to build your prospects, and perseverance to conclude deals successfully. read more

In today’s highly competitive property management industry, what’s behind your name is just as important as what experience you have. Do you have the right real estate management designations? read more

In February I was very fortunate to attend the IREM/REIC faculty training in Toronto. read more

Our members come with an impressive breadth and depth of experience throughout the real estate sector.  read more

On behalf of the 2015 Conference Advisory Committee, I’d like to invite you to join the IREM BC Chapter and the REIC Greater Vancouver Chapter, the hosts of the REIC 2015 Annual Conference and AGM, May 26th to 28th in Vancouver. read more

I'm incredibly excited about the upcoming year and I am honoured to be representing REIC as your 2014 - 2015 President!  Thank you to all of you who came out to Winnipeg and attended the 2014 Annual Conference and AGM in June. It was great getting to show off our fabulous city. read more

Last week, REIC and the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board (OMDREB) celebrated the beginning of a new partnership. OMDREB is providing REIC advanced education courses leading to the Fellow of Real Estate Institute (FRI) designation to its over 1100 members. See the official announcement under What's New on the REIC website. read more

This is an update on the activities of the REIC Liaison Committee with regards to the ongoing revisions process for the Ontario Condominium Act. read more

Here in southern Alberta, we’re feeling a bit battle weary due to the flooding. Many residents are still displaced, and, so far, 900 Calgarians alone will be forced to find accommodation because their homes are either condemned or will take months to restore. Our rental market was already tight before the flood. read more